Facts

• Individuals can apply for housing grants through state and local agencies, usually the Housing Authority or the Department of Health and Human Services. These groups administer grant monies from federal and state taxes to provide housing assistance. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Justice manage the majority of federal housing grants. The Grantsmanship Center or HUD state funding sources pages provide lists of local government agencies that award housing grants.
  
  

Process

• Housing agencies require an application to request funds. Government grant applications generally consist of forms (with blanks for your personal data) and supporting documents (proof of income, age or other qualifications). Agency caseworkers will help you throughout the application and funding process. HUD and Rural Development also offer financial counseling, which you may need to take to receive funds. All applications have strict deadlines. Your caseworker or the agency will notify you in writing or by phone if you receive the grant.
  
  

Types

• Housing grant funds cover repairs or changes, mortgages, rental assistance and transitional housing. Use Rural Development repair grants or Veterans Affairs retrofit grants to upgrade systems (heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing), increase energy efficiency or add accessibility (by widening doorways or adding wheelchair ramps). Mortgage and rental assistance from HUD, Rural Development and Veterans Affairs help with down payments and monthly costs. Transitional housing grants through the Department of Justice and Veterans Affairs fund temporary shelter for domestic abuse survivors or the homeless.
  
  

Considerations

• Grants contain strict eligibility requirements to qualify for funding. Generally, standards include a maximum income level (usually a percentage of the poverty rate), minimum age (generally 62 years old) and particular location (the area where you live). They may also require prior military service, proven disability or verified living situation. Most HUD grants also involve pre-qualification for a mortgage through a local lender. Check these criteria before applying for your housing grant to make sure you meet the qualifications.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Not everyone qualifies for government housing funding. HUD also reminds applicants that no federal housing grants cover 100 percent of home costs. The federal government does not provide direct assistance to individuals. Local and state governments distribute all federal and state grant monies to individuals and qualifying nonprofit organizations under the direction of federal agencies and regulations.